Latest news with #YRZSNJ


The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Foreign students feel at home celebrating Aidiladha in Malaysia
JOHOR BARU: As Muslims across Malaysia celebrate Aidiladha on Saturday (June 7), many international students are observing the meaningful occasion far from home, yet finding warmth, connection, and a sense of belonging in what they now consider their second home. For students like Muhammad Habibullah from Nigeria, who is currently studying at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), this year marks his third Aidiladha celebration in Malaysia. He said the warmth and acceptance he has received from Malaysians have helped ease the homesickness. "Even though we miss our families back home, Malaysia offers a wonderful atmosphere, it feels like we're celebrating with a bigger family, filled with diverse experiences. "Malaysia is not just a second home, it has truly become home for me,' said the 37-year-old, who is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical Engineering, when met by Bernama today. For Mohammed Raza Asfak Chidimar, 25, from Gujarat, India, who is pursuing a Master of Science (Data Science) at UTM, celebrating Aidiladha in Malaysia has been a heartwarming experience despite being away from his parents. "People here are very welcoming, especially at UTM. The university community makes a genuine effort to treat international students fairly and with kindness,' he said. "Malaysia truly feels like a second home. While the culture is slightly different, the essence of Aidiladha - the values of faith, sacrifice, and unity - remains the same,' he said. Local student Izham Syafarin Akhir Ruddin, 21, from Perak, was also unable to return home for Aidiladha this year due to academic commitments and looming assignment deadlines. "This is my first time celebrating Aidiladha without my family. Honestly, I don't feel alone at UTM because the university always makes sure students are included during festive occasions,' said the Bachelor of Psychology and Human Resource Development student. Earlier, more than 600 students at UTM received food donations in conjunction with Aidiladha, courtesy of the Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ). YRZSNJ chief executive officer Hishamuddin Abdul Rahim said the contribution was a personal gift from Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia and Chancellor of UTM. "This gesture is part of a tradition observed during both Aidilfitri and Aidiladha, where Her Majesty graciously distributes food to students. It helps ease their homesickness and allows them to celebrate the festival joyfully with their friends,' he said. UTM deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Ali Selamat expressed gratitude for the royal contribution, noting its significance for students unable to return home for the celebration. "At UTM, approximately 70 per cent of our students are locals, while the rest are international. We are truly thankful to Her Majesty for the generous gift, which allows students to experience the joy of togetherness during Aidiladha,' said Ali, who is also deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International). - Bernama


Malay Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Queen graces tea reception with artistes, national figures
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, today graced a tea reception with artistes and national figures at the Istana Negara. Held at the Main Banquet Hall, the event was attended by the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Present at the event were Communications Ministry secretary-general (sec-gen) Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa; Ministry of Education (MOE) sec-gen Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim; and Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ) chief executive officer Hishamuddin Abdul Rahim. Among the artistes seen were the country's music legends Datuk M. Nasir, Datuk Ramli MS, well-known producer and director Datuk Yusof Haslam, as well as more than 400 invited guests including school students, artistes, writers and influencers. This tea reception with local artistes and writers, which was held for the first time, was an initiative by the Queen to showcase talent and create positive interaction between local artistes and school students, while also celebrating and appreciating local artistes. The Queen bestowed contributions to 150 asnaf students from Kuala Lumpur through the YRZSNJ. Guests were treated to special performances by popular local artistes Anuar Zain, who sang 'Sedetik Lebih,' and M Nasir, who performed 'Satu Hari di Hari Raya,' at the event hosted by well-known presenters Zizan Razak and Sherry Al Hadad. Additionally, the guests were entertained by a special performance from Kuala Lumpur school students, accompanied by the Simfoni Kayangan combo from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Jalil, organised by the MOE. Among the student performances were the One Malaysia dances, keroncong, a violin solo, poetry recitation, visual arts, and a zapin dance as well as Chinese community drumming. — Bernama

Barnama
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Queen Graces Tea Reception With Artistes, National Figures
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, today graced a tea reception with artistes and national figures at the Istana Negara. Held at the Main Banquet Hall, the event was attended by the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Present at the event were Communications Ministry secretary-general (sec-gen) Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa; Ministry of Education (MOE) sec-gen Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim; and Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ) chief executive officer Hishamuddin Abdul Rahim. Among the artistes seen were the country's music legends Datuk M. Nasir, Datuk Ramli MS, well-known producer and director Datuk Yusof Haslam, as well as more than 400 invited guests including school students, artistes, writers and influencers. This tea reception with local artistes and writers, which was held for the first time, was an initiative by the Queen to showcase talent and create positive interaction between local artistes and school students, while also celebrating and appreciating local artistes. The Queen bestowed contributions to 150 asnaf students from Kuala Lumpur through the YRZSNJ. Guests were treated to special performances by popular local artistes Anuar Zain, who sang "Sedetik Lebih," and M Nasir, who performed "Satu Hari di Hari Raya," at the event hosted by well-known presenters Zizan Razak and Sherry Al Hadad. Additionally, the guests were entertained by a special performance from Kuala Lumpur school students, accompanied by the Simfoni Kayangan combo from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Jalil, organised by the MOE. Among the student performances were the One Malaysia dances, keroncong, a violin solo, poetry recitation, visual arts, and a zapin dance as well as Chinese community drumming.